Suppressing EMI Noise to CAN Communication by Using Active Gate Driver

Electromagnetic compatibility has been always a big concern in a system where power electronics converters and communication systems operate together. With the advent of wide bandgap power semiconductor devices, converter switching-speed and -frequency get increasing and converter electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise is as well. Hence, communication networks, such as controller area network (CAN), could be a significant EMI victim in such the system. This paper presents experimental studies on an EMI reduction approach using an active gate driver (AGD) for a buck converter that causes an EMI on a nearby CAN system. The AGD enables to control switching speed of the converter MOSFET and also changes a converter switching noise waveform. Accordingly, the converter switching noise can be adjustable for suppressing the EMI. Experimental verification shows that the AGD is effective in suppressing communication failure due to the converter switching noise.